This is an exciting timefor a new bunny owner. But for bunny, it can be terrifying. From bunny's perspective, he is being thrust into a scary new world filled with unfamiliar sights, sounds & smells. He has no experience to tell him that everything will be just fine. The stress is extreme.

Thankfully, there are ways to ease the transitionand help bunny to adjust as quickly as possible. It's up to you to help him through the process. (This info is also available as part of the Pet Rabbit Handbook)

1. Before you leave your home to get your rabbit...

Have her cage situated (built, if needed) where it will be normally kept. Whatever area you have chosen to keep her cage, be sure it is in its place in your home.​Have the cage completely set-up:

Have the litter box filled and set in place.

Have hay already in the cage.

Have the water bowl filled and in place.

Have the empty food dish in place.

A couple toys can also be placed in the cage.

If you have a bed or fabric for the cage, you may want to hold off on putting that in the cage until bunny has adjusted to the new litter box.

2. Getting your bunny...

Wherever you get your rabbit, be sure that, while you are there, you are given a few days' supply of the pelleted food that your rabbit has been getting fed and is used to. This is a customary practice since changing a rabbit's diet suddenly is not advised. If they don't offer it outright, then don't hesitate to ask. They should provide you with some pellets. (If necessary, offer a couple dollars to cover the cost.)The pellets they give you will be used to transition bunny to whatever pellet brand you have chosen.

Car rides are also stressful, so keep bunny comfortably cool in her carrier. Go straight home -- no stops along the way.

As soon as you arrive home, place some of the pelleted food in the food dish, place bunny in the new cage and close the cage door. Resist the temptation to cuddle with bunny and pet her. Just place her directly in the cage and leave her alone.

3. The first 48 hours...

Now comes the hard part: for the first 48 hours, leave your bunny undisturbed. Go about your normal routine so that bunny can learn to get used to the 'new' normal sounds and sights and smells. Whatever activity normally occurs in the area around her cage, should continue to occur as usual.

Do not reach into her cage to pet her. The only time your hand should go in the cage during these first 2 days is to replenish food or water or hay. Do not even change her litter box during this time. Not changing it will help her to recognize it as hers. Do not let her out of her cage. She will be fine for 2 days without exercise.

This 48 hour regimen helps bunny to adjust in the quickest way possible. It also helps bunny to establish this new cage as her space, her 'safe zone.' This will be immensely helpful when you begin to let her out for her daily exercise. She will have learned the location of her litter box and where to retreat when she desires. Even after she is adjusted, it is not advised to reach in to her cage to pet her or to pull her out. This violates her space and deprives her of having a place where she knows she will not be disturbed. Having such a "safe" zone helps her to feel secure and so helps her adjust socially. Allow her to have her own space.

​Use these 48 hours to read up on how to bond with your rabbit! (just click on the button tab below)

With all the excitement of having a new bunny, please also refrain from having many curious visitors approaching bunny's cage during these first 2 days.. Once bunny settles in, there will be plenty of time for all of that.

Once you've patiently waited out the first 48 hours, you may finally begin bonding with your bunny. Just click the button tab below to be directed to that section on this site.